Uber has confirmed its exit from Nigeria, saying the move is not connected to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s recent directive on e-hailing services at Nigerian airports.
Uber announced on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, that it would discontinue operations in the two countries after a review of its business.
The company had earlier informed users of its decision in an email, saying it had made the “tough decision” to wind down operations in Nigeria after 12 years.
In a statement to Business Post on Wednesday, an Uber spokesperson said the company’s decision to leave Nigeria “was made following a review of its evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.”
“The decision is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports,” the spokesperson said.
The clarification comes after FAAN recently introduced measures affecting the operations of Uber, Bolt and other e-hailing companies at airports, prompting speculation that the development may have contributed to Uber’s decision to leave Nigeria.
Uber, however, said its withdrawal from Nigeria and Uganda was strictly limited to the two markets and would not affect its operations elsewhere on the continent.
“Our immediate priority is supporting drivers, riders, and local team members throughout this transition,” the company said, adding that it remained committed to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it continues to see growth and long-term opportunities.
Uber said it was shifting its investments towards markets where it believes it can create the most value for drivers by providing earning opportunities at scale and allowing riders to access transportation services more easily.
The company said it had communicated with affected employees, drivers and riders about the changes and would support its employees through the transition.
In its email to riders, Uber also thanked customers for using its platform over the years and informed them that its services in Nigeria would stop from September 2.
The company said it was also engaging active drivers and would provide them with a token of appreciation as they transition following the shutdown of its operations.
See also: BREAKING: Uber to Leave Nigeria After 12 Years
Uber said rider data would continue to be handled in line with applicable data protection laws, privacy requirements and its data protection policies. It added that it would retain data only for as long as required by law, maintain security measures and comply with ongoing legal obligations and data requests.
The company said rider support would remain available for 21 days after the discontinuation of its operations to assist customers with outstanding questions and transition-related issues.
Uber for Business services in Nigeria will also be discontinued as part of the exit.
The company’s departure brings an end to its 12-year presence in Nigeria, where it launched in 2014 and became one of the major companies that helped establish app-based ride-hailing in the country.
Uber also entered Uganda in 2016 and has operated in the East African country for about a decade.
The exit leaves competitors such as Bolt and inDrive to compete for a larger share of Nigeria’s ride-hailing market, which has expanded considerably since Uber’s arrival.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
